Undercover police officers followed her into the supermarket after she was seen selling drugs
A judge has warned a woman that she will not receive a “second chance” after being caught with drugs stashed in her bra in Morrisons. Hannah Conlan was followed into the supermarket by undercover police who had earlier seen her selling to users.
A further stash of more than 100 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine was then found hidden inside her. She was said to have become involved in the drug trade after racking up debts of thousands of pounds.
Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Friday, that plain clothes police officers witnessed Conlan engaging in a suspected drugs transaction near to the entrance to Victoria Park in Southport on April 26 2023. The 31-year-old, of Scarisbrick Street in the town, then walked away towards the nearby Morrisons supermarket in the company of a man who is currently wanted in connection with the incident.
Oliver Saddington, prosecuting, described how both were then stopped by PCs as they entered the store. A quantity of drugs and £120 in cash were seized from the male, while Conlan was found to have 11 wraps of crack cocaine hidden in her bra.
Monies totalling £175 and a ringing mobile phone were also recovered from her jacket pocket. During a strip search following her arrest, a further 93 wraps of crack and 39 of heroin were discovered inside her body.
The total value of the drugs seized from both Conlan and her co-defendant was estimated at £2,880. She has no previous convictions.
Jim Smith, defending, told the court that his client had been put to work selling illicit substances after amassing a debt of £2,000 with her own dealer, adding: “The defendant has suffered throughout her life. During her teenage years and early adult years, there were traumatic events.
“She has shown genuine remorse for her offending. She has substantial mental health issues. There is a history of suicidal ideation and periods spent by her in mental health institutions.”
Conlan admitted possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of cannabis. Appearing in the dock wearing a black blazer and with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, she was handed a 20-month imprisonment suspended for two years, a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement.
Sentencing, Judge Anil Murray said: “There were a lot of drugs. There was a big stock here. You were involved in dealing these drugs to people like you knowing the damage that class A drugs do, and you have spread that pain.
“You have had bad things happen to you in your life. You intend to move away from the area. You have got mental health issues. You have sought help. You have got some physical health issues.
“If you do not start to change your ways soon, you are going to find yourself in prison. I am just able to suspend this sentence. You are not likely to get a second chance.
“If you do not do this work, we will meet again and I will remember you. The chances of you walking out of that door again are slim. Have you got that?”
Conlan, who appeared to be on the verge of tears as the judge passed sentence upon her, replied: “I’ve got that. Thank you.”